At a press conference held yesterday, Tuesday 20th December 2011, in Santiago de Compostela (Spain), the animal rights activists arrested on 22nd June objected to the Judge, Vazquez Tain, involved in their case. One of the reasons was because of the Judge’s vested interest in the fur farming industry.

This case began on 22nd June with the house searches and arrests of the activists involved in Animal Equality and Equanimal in Madrid, Asturias, Biscay and Galicia. Since then, the accused are being held on charges of crimes against the environment, public disorder, disclosure of secrets and conspiracy. The case has become an international scandal – mobilising hundreds of people in over 25 countries who have demonstrated together in solidarity with the accused. Read more…

This was Moby’s answer to the animal right activists from the Anti-repression Campaign in Spain who were at the musician’s book signing in Madrid yesterday. Information about the campaign and from both organisations, Animal Equality and Equanimal, were given to him.

Moby who explains that: “Animals are sentient creatures with their own wills, and it seems wrong to force our will onto another creature just because we’re able to.” Expressed solidarity with the animal rights movement and signed the petition asking for acquittal on all charges for the activists.

The animal rights movement in Spain is facing one of its most difficult periods and this SATURDAY 23 JULY we need your help to show the media and society the strength of GLOBAL SUPPORT. Two of the largest organisations in Spain, Equanimal and Animal Equality, are being targeted by the state in retaliation for their powerful undercover investigations that have woken up the Spanish public to the shocking reality of farms, slaughterhouses, bullfights, laboratories and other areas where animals are routinely abused and killed.

Twelve activists – the heads and spokespersons of the above groups – have been arrested and charged with a list of offences from the mass release of minks to arson in bullrings, which the activists deny having any part in. Nevertheless they could be facing years in prison. The police and judge in the case are now facing legal proceedings from the groups in response to a number of incidents signalling that this case is a set-up and a farce.

Over the last few weeks, the animal rights movement in Spain has been the victim of an attack to try and discredit and criminalise the movement. We have not sat back however, and have now taken action. We have been in meetings with our lawyers, and can now give the following news:

Now it is our turn. We are announcing that we are going to instigate legal proceedings against the Guardia Civil for libel and for revealing facts about the investigation to the press whilst under a gag order. Likewise we are going to make a formal objection to the judge in the case, Jose Antonia Vazquez Tain, for his bias and lack of independence in the case.